Last Critter Report of the Year

We've had several cold, frosty mornings. 

With lots of moisture, everything is rimmed with frost.

Even the blackberry leaves are outlined.

The chipmunks are bulking up.

We have so extremely cold weather on the way. 

So these guys are bulking up for a short hibernation. 

As we will dip into the low 'teens, I expect the chippies will hunker down.

They've been foraging on the few remaining blackberries.

Their larger 'cousins' chose to feast on black oil sunflower seeds.

A bunny greets me most mornings.

He's figured out where I scatter sunflower seeds for the ground feeders like the California Quail. 

Four deer come by once in a while.

I'll have more critter photos when we bring in the Trail Cameras to download December's photos.

Cats and Birds

Design - "Christmas Cat"

Chart - "A Prairie Christmas" 

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Lambswool linen

Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 12 December 2012

Completed - 17 December 2012

This stitching look back has been sponsored by...

Padma Hufflepuff

He loves a sunny winter's day.

Many of the birds do too including the sparrows.

I think I have just one White-throated Sparrow.

That said, it is surprising how often I see the bird.

I do have lots of Golden-crowned Sparrows.

On frosty mornings everyone is puffy.

I have at least four Fox Sparrows - more than I've ever seen before.

Last, but certainly not least my reliables - the Song Sparrows.

Looking Back

Design - "Christmas is Coming"

Design - "The Goose is Getting Fat"

Chart - "Bordering on a Towel"

Designer - Alma Lynn

Fabric - Aida Hot Pads

Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 1987?

Completed - 1987?

I stitched these hotpads decades ago as a Christmas present for my paternal grandmother. They returned to my possession after my grandmother passed.  I like to display them for the holidays as they remind me of her.

What's up with the birds you ask?

My male Acorn Woodpecker has been out and about.

As have a couple of Flickers including this male. 

But the best woodpecker sighting of late, is a Red-breasted Sapsucker.

He's been working in the trees close by for the past week or so. 

I finally had the opportunity to get a good photo or two.

I do love that bright red head.

And it's pretty clear why he's named 'Red-breasted'.

I hope he becomes a winter semi-regular!

A Gifting Theme

I thought I'd share some of the gifts I received.

There's a bit of an over-arching theme. 

I think this wins hands down as the cutest birdhouse ever!

I received an Emma Bridgewater candle holder.

And two bird tiles from a local artist.

Evening Grosbeaks

And an Raven.

I think I now have eight of her tiles.

I also got a couple of cute salt and pepper shakers.

And here's something I think my Anna's hummers will enjoy.

A hummeringbird garden stake.  I expect to see them perched on this come spring. 

The Cats' Christmas

Padma and Parvati get just one gift.

But it is the purrfect gift.

A new catnip mouse.

They roll, and bat, and lick...

...until they are well nigh exhausted. 

Then they guard.

I hope that you received one perfect gift.

Boxing Day - Christmas Decorating - Part Two

My Boxing Day plan is to sit and stitch and read and bird and relax.

A Mellow Day.

Here's the rest of the holiday decorations.

The buffet in the dining room has a forest of small trees. 

The trees are all decorated to reflect nature - mushrooms, pine cones, birds, and critters.

One small tree has Hallmark miniature bird and bird-themed ornaments.

We also have an owl tree!

This tree is in the living room.

The theme - gardening!

On to the family room where my mother's big bird tree is on display. 

In conjunction we also have two smaller trees with bird houses.

This year I set up my collection of hand-carved wooden Santas.

I have dozens and dozens of holiday salt & pepper shakers, but only put out a few this year.

I did get up the energy to put out my Emma Bridgewater water winter mugs.  

And I'll end our Holiday Decorating Tour with this advent calendar and a snowflake adorned winter tree.